Dolphins in Lisbon thrive

By Our Special Correspondent

The U.N. summit is set to take place in Lisbon next week. Delegates attending the conference can get inspired by their efforts to protect the oceans by looking out of the stage windows at the longest river in Portugal, where dolphins can happily delight locals and tourists these days.

The number of dolphins swimming from the Atlantic to the mouth of the Tagus River at Lisbon has increased significantly in recent years due to declining pollution.

“Over the past 10 years, with the development of the water, we have started to see wildlife more often,” says local sailor and guide Bernardo Queiroz, who organizes expeditions to see bottlenose and common dolphins on the river.

"We saw (dolphins) 10 times a year and now we have (them) 200 days a year," he said. Queiroz's Tour Business aims to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of nature conservation.